N’Djamena Eyes AES Accession: A New Chapter in Sahel Unity

Chad has formally signaled its intent to join the Alliance of Sahel States (image source)

Chad’s government has formally signaled its intention to join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc currently comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. At a May cabinet briefing, Communications Minister Gassim Cherif described the AES as “a model of regional unity” and urged President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to “seriously consider” accession as a means to bolster Chad’s sovereignty after the recent French defense accords. Presidential adviser Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar underscored the importance of shared cultural ties and collective defense against Islamist insurgents that threaten stability across the Sahel.

Since its founding in September 2023, following ECOWAS’s threat of military intervention in Niger, the AES has pursued deeper integration through initiatives such as a single passport, unified military command, and plans for a common currency. Chad’s potential membership would expand the alliance’s footprint across Central Africa and enhance joint counterterrorism operations against jihadi groups including JNIM and ISIS-Sahel.

Proponents argue that integrating Chad’s experienced military into the AES command structure will create a stronger deterrent against cross-border raids and suicide attacks. Critics, however, warn that closer alignment with the AES and its Russian-trained forces may strain N’Djamena’s relations with Western partners, particularly France and the United States.

For everyday Chadians, the move promises a tougher regional front against extremist violence that has driven thousands from their homes and disrupted trade routes. By pooling intelligence and coordinating patrols, AES members aim to seal porous borders that insurgents exploit. Economists also highlight potential gains: a unified passport could facilitate commerce, tourism, and investment across the Sahel’s landlocked economies.

Yet skeptics caution that success hinges on transparent governance and adequate funding for joint military operations, which have faltered in past Sahel-wide initiatives. Chad’s decision gains momentum amid growing frustration with Western counterterrorism strategies that critics say prioritize airstrikes over on-the-ground stabilization. Through the AES framework, members can design localized solutions that reflect the Sahel’s unique socio-cultural fabric, including community-based reconciliation programs and cross-border development projects.

This holistic approach aligns with AU and UN recommendations to integrate security, governance, and economic resilience. Should Chad join, it would bring both manpower—Chadian forces are battle-hardened from decades of insurgency—and diplomatic weight to ongoing efforts to negotiate humanitarian corridors and protect vulnerable civilians.

At the cabinet briefing, Cherif hinted at broader geopolitical ambitions: “By joining the AES, Chad reaffirms its leadership role in Central and West Africa, advancing a collective vision for peace and prosperity.” Analysts believe this rhetoric signals N’Djamena’s desire to position itself as a bridge between Francophone and Anglophone Sahel states, potentially attracting new members from ECOWAS.

As other regional governments observe Chad’s intent, some diplomats say they too may explore AES accession, drawn by the promise of a more unified defense posture and an alternative to traditional Western security pacts. Ultimately, Chad’s accession process will test the AES’s capacity to absorb a new member without diluting decision-making or overstretching resources.

The alliance must establish clear mechanisms for financial contributions, command rotations, and conflict resolution among members. If managed effectively, Chad’s entry could transform the AES into a formidable regional power bloc capable of negotiating as equals with global partners. For now, N’Djamena’s official signal marks a watershed moment: a pivot toward homegrown security solutions and deeper Sahel unity that other nations may soon emulate.